Chapter 17
She looked around for James and found him at his desk, in front of his laptop. The bright screen reflected off his glasses as he typed with a serious yet relaxed expression on his face. Rubbing her eyes, she called his name in a sleepy yet soft voice, "James, what are you doing?"
James looked up at her and put his glasses down on the table. "Did I wake you up?" he asked, his voice filled with concern. He stood up and walked over to Nima, his footsteps soft on the carpet.
Nima shook her head slightly, trying to fully wake up. "No, you didn't wake me. I just missed you," she admitted, a small smile playing on her lips.
James reached out and gently tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "I'm sorry, love. I was just working on some business documents for tomorrow. I didn't realize how late it was," he explained, his eyes softening as he looked at her.
Nima leaned into his touch, feeling the warmth of his hand on her cheek. "You work so hard, James. Don't forget to take care of yourself too," she reminded him gently.
He nodded, pulling her into a tender embrace. "I know, and I promise I will. But right now, let's get you back to bed. You need your rest," he said, his voice a soothing balm to her tired mind.
James kept his arm around her, providing comfort and support. Nima felt a sense of peace wash over her, knowing that she had found someone who truly cared for her.
As they settled back into bed, James gently wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. She put her head against his chest, feeling the rhythm of his heartbeat. The room was quiet, yet noisy with their breathing. The warmth of the blankets and the comfort from James's embrace lulled her back to sleep.
Morning arrived with the soft glow of sunlight filtering through the curtains, landing on her face. As she opened her eyes, she saw James still in his sleep, looking innocent like a baby. His face glowed with the sunlight and looked majestic even in his sleep. A sudden urge to caress him and kiss him struck her mind.
She leaned her face forward to take a closer look at his face. She gently stroked his lips and leaned forward for a kiss, but James opened his eyes and went on top of Nima, putting his hands above her hands and interlocking their fingers. "What are you trying to do to a sleeping person?" he said with a flirty smirk.
Nima stayed silent, words not coming to her mouth, and struggled to break through his strong grip, but the gap in strength made her give up. Her face red from embarrassment, she avoided meeting his gaze. "You didn't answer my question, Nima," said James, smirking and enjoying her reaction.
He gently put his hand on her chin and pushed her chin up. "You didn't answer me," said James, squinting his eyes as he looked down at her.
She closed her eyes as he leaned forward toward her face. "Tell me," he whispered. His breath near her ear made her tingle and tickle.
"James..." she whispered.